From the very first frame, Iyanu: The Age of Wonders announces itself as something special. Set centuries before the beloved series, this feature expands the mythology in breathtaking ways while staying firmly rooted in the cultural foundation that made the original such a revelation. It is bold, it is magical, and it is unapologetically African. At its heart, this film is proof that the world is hungry for stories that feel both universal in scope and deeply authentic in voice.
A Unique and Timeless Story
At a time when fantasy often feels overfamiliar, Iyanu: The Age of Wonders thrives by giving audiences something truly distinct. By setting the story 500 years before Iyanu’s rise, the film builds its own identity while weaving effortlessly into the broader lore.
The introduction of Meje, a terrifying embodiment of the seven deadly sins, gives the narrative both urgency and mythic weight. Dara and Ishe, the young warriors chosen to confront this threat, feel fully realized and relatable even amidst their legendary circumstances. It is a narrative that resonates not because it leans on genre clichés, but because it celebrates storytelling traditions often overlooked in mainstream animation.
The film also benefits from its exploration of legacy, spirituality, and morality. Instead of presenting good and evil in black and white, it uses the Divine Ones to show the delicate balance between light and shadow. This makes the stakes feel richer, the themes feel more resonant, and the overall storytelling more rewarding than most fantasy adventures in recent memory.
Stunning Animation That Breathes Culture
The animation is nothing short of mesmerizing. Rich with the vibrancy of Yoruba culture, every frame is alive with color, texture, and detail. The world design, from bustling villages to enchanted landscapes, feels simultaneously otherworldly and deeply rooted in cultural truth. It is a visual feast that dares to stand alongside the biggest animated spectacles of the last decade, while carving out a style entirely its own.
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Even more impressive is how the film renders its magical elements. Fire, water, and earth ripple with energy, flowing across the screen with a revolutionary fluidity that heightens the impact of every battle.
Movement is choreographed like martial arts, seamlessly blending combat and dance, showcasing both the artistry of motion and the sheer imagination of the animators. This is not just animation, it is cultural art brought vividly to life. I would love to see what they do with a feature film budget, because they’re working magic with a TV/Streaming budget.
Iyanu: The Age of Wonders‘ Performances RESONATE
What truly elevates the film is its incredible cast. Sisan Victor-Woko’s Dara radiates both bravery and vulnerability, grounding the audience in the story’s human heart. Ike Ononye’s Ishe is wonderfully stubborn, naïve, and fierce, a performance that balances youthful defiance with unwavering loyalty. Together, they anchor the story with a dynamic chemistry that makes their journey unforgettable.
Shaffy Bello and Babajide Oyekunle bring gravitas as Emi and Joba, embodying the mythic parental figures of creation with voices that feel eternal. Serah Johnson’s presence as Iyanu bridges the legacy of the series beautifully, while Adesua Etomi-Wellington’s Olori is a force of wisdom and strength. Every member of this all-African cast pours authenticity and soul into their roles, creating a tapestry of voices that is both diverse and unified.
A World of Wonder and Danger
The action sequences are as gripping as they are visually striking. Magic crackles and pulses in ways that feel simultaneously dangerous and awe-inspiring. The combat sequences never settle for spectacle alone, but instead enhance the emotional stakes of the story. Each battle tells its own story, each spell has weight, and each clash between light and shadow resonates beyond the immediate thrill.
These set pieces are not just about defeating monsters, they are about the struggle for identity, community, and survival. It is this layering of meaning that makes them linger long after the credits roll.
Iyanu: The Age of Wonders is A Milestone in Animation
Iyanu: The Age of Wonders is more than a film, it is a cultural milestone. It proves that fantasy rooted in African heritage can resonate with the same global reach as any Western epic, and in many ways surpass them by offering a fresh and necessary perspective. Its unique story, jaw-dropping animation, and deeply authentic performances mark it as one of the most exciting animated films in years.
My one critique is that it’s only about an hour long.
This is not just a movie for fans of the series, but for anyone who believes in the power of animation as a universal storytelling language. It is beautiful, it is bold, and it is destined to inspire a generation.
For pure artistic and storytelling excellence, I give Iyanu: The Age of Wonders a
9/10
Iyanu: The Age of Wonders premieres August 30, 2025, on Cartoon Network and August 31, 2025, on HBO Max where Season One is currently streaming.
About Iyanu: The Age of Wonders
Creator / Executive Producer / Showrunner: Roye Okupe
Story Editor: Brandon Easton
Supervising Director: Vincent Edwards
Art Director: Godwin Akpan
Lead Composer: Femi Agunbiade
Theme Song sung by: Yemi Alade
Executive Producers: David Steward II, Stephanie Sperber, Kirsten Newlands, Matt Heath, Roye Okupe, Erica Dupuis, Ryan Haidarian, Doug Schwalbe
Cast: Serah Johnson, Okey Jude, Samuel Kugbiyi, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Stella Damasus as Sewa, Shaffy Bello, Ike Ononye
Synopsis
Set 500 years before the rise of Iyanu, The Age of Wonders transports viewers to Yorubaland at the height of its magical civilization. When Meje — the embodiment of the seven deadly sins — emerges, young warriors Dara and Ishe must stop the coming Age of Darkness. Their only hope lies with the Divine Ones, legendary beings who once walked the earth and upheld the balance between light and shadow.
Are you ready to witness Yoruba mythology come to life like never before? Will Iyanu: The Age of Wonders set a new bar for animated fantasy? Which character or Divine One are you most excited to see on the big screen? Let me know in the comments or @me on social media.
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